Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr reiterated his stance on the demanding NBA schedule following a challenging back-to-back sequence of games. The Warriors faced the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday and the Houston Rockets on Thursday, experiencing a loss against the Mavericks in the first matchup.
Kerr expressed his frustration, attributing the loss partly to the grueling travel and game schedule. He criticized the NBA for prioritizing television ratings and revenue over player well-being, specifically citing the late start time for the Houston game, which required the team to arrive in Houston around 3 a.m. While acknowledging that all teams face similar scheduling challenges, Kerr emphasized the negative impact on player rest and health.
Kerr's concerns extend beyond the immediate impact of back-to-back games. He previously addressed the issue of star players resting during such scenarios, acknowledging the disappointment of fans who purchase tickets hoping to see specific players. He recalled a January 2023 instance when Stephen Curry was rested, highlighting the conflict between strategic player management and fan expectations. Kerr has consistently advocated for a shorter, 72-game season to mitigate these issues, even if it means reduced league revenue.
While NBA viewership has reportedly been down this season, the recent trade of Luka Dončić to the Lakers generated considerable buzz and resulted in a highly-watched debut game. This surge in interest demonstrates the potential impact of significant player moves on viewership, but it doesn't negate Kerr's concerns about the overall scheduling demands placed on players throughout the season.
